We are presently sitting in a campground near York, PA. We plan to leave here on Tuesday to head to Richmond, VA area. Looking at the map, it looks like I-83 to I-95. There is a bypass around Baltimore (696)and DC (495). What can I expect traffic wise on this route? Any alternate suggestions? Jack

Jack, I work that area fairly often. The Baltimore/Washington area 95, 495, 695 does provide you the shortest route from York, but it depends on your appetite for pain.

If you're looking for the most direct route, you have it. Or, you can work your way west, through Gettysburg (worth a stop), and grab 81 south. From the Staunton, VA area, you have a couple of options to Richmond. I'm very familiar with 81, it's a pretty decent drive. I know nothing about the link between 81 and Richmond.

Arthur

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Arthur Gaudet Carrollton (Dallas area) Texas 1968 PD-4107

Working in the bus industry provides us a great opportunity - to be of service to others

The wider the loop you can make to the west of DC, the happier you will be. Figure on losing AT LEAST an hour to traffic through that area. The only place I've been which could be counted on to be any worse was the Chicago Permajam (the section of Interstate between the Indiana state line and the toll booths on the south end of Chicago).

What has been said about I-95 is about right. If you take that route, it's just driving...nothing to see, hardly anywhere to stop. As my Dad used to say,"You'll be wore out to a hand-hold" by the time you get to Richmond.

If you have time, there are two other routes to consider, although, unless I was REALLY in a hurry, I would not do the trip all in one day. Both routes are really scenic and offer lots of places to spend (waste) an hour or two,

You can take Rt. 30 over to Gettysburg. That is about the worst road you will have to drive on either alternate route. Once in Gettysburg, you can pick up Rt. 15 & run it all the way to Rt. 17 which will take you back to I-95.

The longer route would be to stay on Rt 30 to I-81 south, then pick up Rt 17 south at Winchester back to I-95. There is one little mountain at Paris, not much but Rt. 17 does turn right at the bottom. Don't miss the turn.

You can stay also on I-81 to Strasburg & take I-66 over to 17 which will miss the mountain. All pretty good driving and really pretty.

Jack,If you do decide to go through Gettysburg, if you have the time, by all means visit the new Civil War Cyclorama. The Cyclorama and museum are in the same building, which is new, and are extremely impressive and interesting. Just park in the bus area and you won't even have to unhook the toad.

From there, I-81 south to I-64 east to Richmond is the best route, in my opinion. As always if you're coming through the Roanoke area give us a call if ya got time for coffee. 540.5 nine 1. 5 two 19. Best to you and Paula. Have fun!Dennis

Hi Jack ,I-95 and 695 and 495 are all o.k. as stated.Definatelytry to 'time' your passage thru D.C. 95 / 495. Morning and Especially evening rush our challenges Los Angeles as worst traffic. If you want /or need to stop anywhere near Washington .C. or even Baltimore or Northern Va. I am nearby and would really enjoy buying you a cup of coffee.I know about the Dec get together and would like to attend but I'm normally in Arizona.480 306 3598 cell if you need anything feel free to call.Have a great trip ...GFC

We spent 3 days in Gettysburg touring the battlefields, Cyclorama and museums before moving to York/Lancaster area. Gettysburg is a great area for anyone interested in American History. We toured the Hershey factory yesterday morning and kayaked on the Susquehana River in the Afternoon. We are going to the Amish area near Lancaster today and to an American Indian Pow Wow on Monday. We will try to hit Baltimore and especially DC between rush hours. Thanks for all the tips. Jack

I agree with what was said. If you hit DC in rush hour, well then you just pick your place to park tell everything is freed up. We haven't had a problem doing the big cities between rush hours. The problem is the we usually happen to run into a city during rush hour Arrrggghhh.

Anyways. DC is usually fine between rush hours. We even did NYC between rush hours, and did just fine (between the daylight rush hours...the bronx looks interesting during the day, driving by on the interstate ).

If you take the I-81 route, you can pick up I-64 at Waynesboro-Staunton area, quite beautiful (Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway) . Then through Charlottesville, and Monticello, where you can observe Jefferson's work, which was extensive and impressive. Then on 64 into richmond. If you have time, Williamsburg is just an hour east of Richmond, and it is still worth the ride, though more commercial that it used to be in the good old days. Central Virginia is a good place to get lost for a couple of days if you have the time; a lot of our nation's history was born there.

Jack, since you'll be in the Lancaster area, remember the Strasburg Railroad (and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania) are nearby. Definitely worth a visit. Strasburg is the oldest continually operating common carrier railroad in the US. Known in the railfan community as a class steam operation.

Arthur

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Arthur Gaudet Carrollton (Dallas area) Texas 1968 PD-4107

Working in the bus industry provides us a great opportunity - to be of service to others

Hello Jack ,I'm near exit 31 .But I can meet any where that is convenient for ya'll. Where you find convenient is far more important than I ,I am using a little econobox for transportation here. Anywhere that works for you or there is always next time.Thank you ,Glenn 480 306 3598 cell Safe travels.....GFC

Hello Jack ,I'm near exit 31 .But I can meet any where that is convenient for ya'll. Where you find convenient is far more important than I ,I am using a little econobox for transportation here. Anywhere that works for you or there is always next time.Thank you ,Glenn 480 306 3598 cell Safe travels.....GFC

Hey Jack and Paula, i would take Runcutters route, its the only way to go. There is tooo much stress on 95!!! And the railroad museum is a MUST as is the auto/ Bus museum in hershey. Have a safe trip see you in Dec.

Hi Jack, You are in my favorite place. Va. And Pa. there is lot to see there and the people are great. If you still want to come down through Wash. Do it on a week end , Then you can drive right thhrough. Fred

If you do come down 95 we are at exit 156 Woodbridge. Would be glad to meet you for coffee or if you need any help I will be glad to do what ever I can. seven oh three eight six nine six three nine four.

Frank

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The MCI has landed..... We are home.Dale City Va. Just a southern suburb of DCYes I am a BUSNUT1976 MCI MC8

That is the exact route that we usually take. Usually it goes well, but there has been a time or two, when it gets slow. For example, like the time that we were the "first responders" to a injury (almost fatal, but she lived thanks to seatbelt, airbags, and guard rail) accident. That took some extra time, but usually it goes pretty well.